Michelle Li | Journalist

If you've been a follower of this blog or if you catch our newsteam on Facebook or Twitter, you may have already heard about Bambuser.

It's like UStream or Livestream in some regards, but we chose Bambuser because of its consistently reliable mobile capabilities. We can go LIVE now from our cell phones or we can chat behind the scenes from the anchor desk. Bambuser is widely used in Europe and around the world...so our chats can get really interesting!

One newscast last week, we had more than 100 people in our LIVE chat from people across the globe. Pretty cool.

Typically, we will CHAT during the 6:30 news with a look at a specific topic. But we'll chat whenever there's a need in other newscasts. Many people in the newsroom have their own individual Bambuser accounts, so we'll post the link to the specific chat on our social media pages a few minutes before it starts! Watch for us!

Oh... and Bambuser has featured me today! Worldwide! Look for my account on the right side of the page. Check it out and see you at 6:30!

Covering the storm with Chief Photographer Ryan Koresko and Ashlea Kosikowski (sent in by a viewer)

We're now on the downhill slide of hurricane season! It seems like forever ago that we were covering Hurricane Irene. It was the first time I covered a hurricane, which is quite different than covering ice storms and tornadoes.

Anyway, check this out! This is a video the National Association of Broadcasters put together to show Congress how journalists make a difference in emergencies.

You will see two familiar faces at 3:40 and 3:50. Big props to the one at 3:40! That was kind of cool because emergency management officials were watching WECT when the storm came through.

First of all, wanted to share a quick pic with you. Went to work today and discovered all the gals (tee hee) think alike! We just had to take a picture.

Michelle, Nadine, Lindsay, Justin, John and Fran!

It just so worked out that we are all wearing the same color today. I cannot tell you how often this happens! I guess after a while we all become a one-brain-unit, but from now on, I'm going to try to take pics!

Anyway, since we're talking about things "working out", I thought it might be a good time to revive our workouts with my personal trainer Adam Freeman. Since he moved over to Crest Fitness, he's really picked up his schedule. I don't know how he even finds time for me! But, I'm so glad!

He's also donating his time for the American Heart Association, so aside from my normal workouts, he's also hosting a bootcamp every Saturday (for free) for the upcoming Heart Walk. If you want to join us, I'm sure Adam would still let you! But, if not this time, there's always next year.

Anyway... do you TRX?? Watch Adam show off his skillz. (Notice, I did not post me doing this! LOL)

I try to keep this website light-hearted, but how can anyone ignore the same-sex marriage debate going on in our state right now?

If you've been paying attention to the news, the Tar Heel state just took a big step towards losing its status as the last state in the Southeast to be without a Constitutional amendment defining marriage between a man and a woman.

In case you weren't clear, same-sex marriages are currently illegal in North Carolina. Adding an amendment to the state's constitution would just reiterate that ban. An amendment would also likely ensure future difficulties for lawmakers to extend marriage rights to same sex couples.

Domestic partnership rights are also at stake.

People on both sides of the issue have been crying out. Protests are going on in the streets. People are getting fired up on social media sites. And eventually, people will likely take their plights to the polls in May.

[The Senate voted 30-16 Tuesday to let voters decide in the May primaries whether the state Constitution should ban same-sex marriage. The House approved the measure Monday, 75 to 42.]

I covered this exact issue in Missouri in 2004. The Show-Me state was the first state to ban gay marriage after Massachusetts legalized same-sex weddings. A lot of eyes were on Missouri back then.

At the time, proponents of same-sex marriage kept bringing up the issue of civil rights... just as it is being brought up currently in North Carolina.

I remember interviewing a reverend in Missouri before the big vote. He was unique because he was a gay rights advocate and a reverend of a fairly popular church in conservative Springfield. He claimed that in 50 years, the nation would be embarrassed of its anti-gay movements. He said in a few decades, we'd all deny any support of anti-gay movements, just as people are now in denial of ever being racist during the Civil Rights Era.

He said during the Civil Rights Movement, a good portion of society made the argument that blacks and whites shouldn't marry because it was against God's will. The reverend said he'd be hard pressed to find a person in present-day society who would admit to that old way of racist thinking.

Do you think he has a valid point?

Regardless of your stance, people are gearing up for a tough battle. We will likely endure several months of heated debates... and thereafter. There will also be people who are against supporting an amendment simply because they don't want to make changes to a sacred document, such as our Constitution.

As a journalist, I wonder how we'll view this debate in 50 years. I wonder how it will be written in our history books. I wonder what our grandchildren will think of this time period. Will our country look back and call this our last Civil Rights Era? I'd love to hear your thoughts.

Thanks to Aly Smist at Perry's... and a little thing called layaway, my anniversary this year sure has some added sparkle! Even my husband is pleased! (We love win-wins in my house...)

Michelle and Aly

I typically don't get excited about jewelry, but I really do enjoy wearing this new ring. It's an estate piece--a round starburst with a few dozen diamonds. But the best part... it didn't break the bank.

First of all, Aly helped us get a great deal, which she'd do for anyone. Secondly, Aly helped us figure out a way to pay for it without stretching our already-tight budget. I mean, I don't care who you are... watching your money is the norm AND, even the trend. Even Walmart is making news this week for bringing back its layaway program.

Thanks to layaway, I may be headed back to Perry's to put something under the tree for the hubby! Just remember, wherever you shop this holiday, take the time to make plans AND get creative! You'd be surprised at how many stores would love to help you!

Rockin' America-bound babies at Holt International in Seoul, South Korea

Being an advocate for adoption, sometimes I hear... "Why can't more people adopt kids here at home? Why do people go overseas?"

Well... I am passionate about finding homes for ALL children. Sometimes international adoption is a better fit for families... sometimes domestic adoption is a better fit. Once people start digging, they usually discover which one their heart is ready for-- sometimes it's both!

Lately, I've been thinking about adoption. I just spoke about it at a recent fundraiser, my Korean sister was in town for a visit, and I just found out that some work I did concerning foster children received an Emmy nomination. It's a tremendous honor to be up for a Mid-America Emmy this year, but really, I'm more happy that the work has helped children find loving families and permanent homes.

So here's my question. What can you do for children?

A lot of people think they have to adopt. NO. That's not true! There are so many ways you can help.

Volunteer to be a respite care provider. Or an emergency contact.

Donate money, if possible.

Help with prevention programs: help at-risk kids

Advocate!

For example, the Junior League of Wilmington is launching a new program this school year that partners women with at-risk kids. I'm so excited to be spending time with some kids during their lunch time this year! Contact JLW if you're interested in joining or helping in some way!

Of course the Epicurean Evening restaurant face-off had winners... but I think the 400 guests got the best prize. We ate such delicious food from so many awesome places!

Ruth's Chris Steakhouse won the Copper Kettle this year, but there were several other winners.

Money raised went to the Methodist Home for Children. I was moved by our speakers, Dave Mueller (from Swamp Loggers) and Michael Cox. Their stories were so powerful. I was glad to share my adoption story, too!

I'm so glad I got to be involved. Emcee Frances Weller looked gorgeous in her dress donated (and later auctioned off) by Isabella Grape. Both WECT and Fox Wilmington were proud to be sponsors.